SPRING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAMPAIGN TO BOOST CARERS’ HEALTH
The first ever ‘Carers Active April’ has arrived, backed by community groups throughout the UK including Ministry of Nordic Walks Community Group who lead a group who regularly Nordic walk in and around Evington.
As part of the campaign, Ministry of Nordic Walks Community Group will be holding a free hour of Nordic walking taster sessions at 11:30 am this coming Wednesday, April 20th at Evington Park. Please contact the group via their email ministryofnordicwalks@gmail.com or by phone 07502 576764 to book your place.
“Carers Active April” will support unpaid carers in every community who want to get more physically active or find out how they might be able to in a way that is fun, affordable, accessible, and achievable.
Carers Active April will build on many local events towards a UK-wide Carers Active Healthathon on Saturday 30 April– a day of enjoyable, inclusive online sessions that carers and those they care for can also sign up to attend. Carers will also receive an exclusive free Carers Active April Starter Pack.
Three quarters of carers (76%) are not able to do as much physical activity as they like because of the pressures of their role. At the same time 73% say that being physically active makes them feel good about themselves.
One carer said: “I really enjoy activities because they give me a sense of wellbeing and physical achievement. They also contribute to my feelings of independence and happiness.”
Carers have had an extremely challenging time during the pandemic, and many have seen their own health impacted by their caring responsibilities. Now more than ever, finding ways to improve carers’ health and wellbeing is crucial.
The online campaign is funded by Sport England through the National Lottery and run by Carer’s UK. It is part of the ongoing Carers Active project which aims to make it easier for more of the UK’s 6.5 million unpaid carers to be more physically active and feel the benefits of moving more.
Carers can sign up to the Carers Active mailing list to receive updates about Carers Active April and the Healthathon event. Whether you’re a carer or a carers organisation, you can also visit the Carers Active Hub https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/activity-hub that is full of ideas and tips to keep active and stories from other carers sharing their own experiences.
